Letter from the Chair- May 14

With more than 100 speakers and a wide array of events, contests, expos and parties, eMerge Americas Techweek brought together executives and entrepreneurs from large technology companies and emerging ventures throughout South Florida and Latin America. Together with leaders from Miami’s key industries, such as healthcare and entertainment, they explored technological advances and trends and shined a spotlight on the region’s emerging tech community.

The inaugural conference’s mission was to create a movement and vision of Miami and Miami Beach as the technology hub of the Americas. Boy, did we shine!

For example, our Chair of the Chamber’s Real Estate Council and world renowned architect Reinaldo Borges presented on a timely panel called “Face of Rising Tides – Building Resilient Solutions” that was engaging and fascinating. The primary focus of the panel was educating South Floridians about the rising tide issue. In light of frequent flooding throughout Miami Beach and the city’s unique sponge-like foundation made up of porous limestone, we are confronted with challenges unlike any other coastal city. The panel discussed technological solutions for this problem and addressed how our city’s leaders and minds have and will come together to face this daunting challenge.The conference did a great job of mixing fun with its hard hitting topics as well. I heard the

“The Celebrate Innovation Party” rocked the New World Center with world-class entertainment, there was a dynamic Techweek Fashion Show, a delicious Food Truck Face-off, Techweek Bars for networking and a fun Lincoln Road Street Party as well. That’s what I call a conference!

The Chamber encourages and applauds these type of conventions that showcase Miami Beach’s unique position to be a technological leader in this country and for the Americas.

Congratulations to the Founder of the Technology Foundation of the Americas, Manny Medina and CEO Diane Sanchez on a successful 1st year!

I look forward to seeing what they have in store for next year!
Best regards,
Michael S. Goldberg
Chairman